complicado
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “complicado” mean in English?
complicated — tangled, difficult due to obstacles or confusion; more processual than inherently complex
complicated — tangled, difficult due to obstacles or confusion; more processual than inherently complex (la situación se ha complicado)
Example sentences
La situación se ha complicado mucho desde que el principal proveedor anunció la suspensión de los suministros.
The situation has become much more complicated since the main supplier announced the suspension of deliveries.
Resolver este conflicto es complicado porque hay intereses contrapuestos entre los distintos grupos implicados.
Resolving this conflict is complicated because there are opposing interests among the different groups involved.
No te compliques la vida intentando hacerlo todo solo; pide ayuda cuando la necesites.
Don't make life complicated for yourself trying to do everything alone; ask for help when you need it.
How to use it
Complicado/a means 'complicated' — difficult, tangled, or involving unnecessary obstacles. It takes ser for inherent difficulty and estar for a situation that has become complicated: 'El problema es complicado' (inherently difficult); 'La situación se ha complicado' (things have got complicated — change of state). Important at B2: complicarse = to become complicated (reflexive change-of-state verb) is very common. Collocations: una situación complicada, un proceso complicado, complicarse la vida (to make life difficult for oneself).
Common mistake
Complejo vs complicado: see complejo entry. Complicado with estar signals a change of state ('se ha complicado / está complicado' = things have got complicated). Complicado with ser marks inherent difficulty. The reflexive complicarse is very productive: complicarse la vida, complicarse el asunto, complicarse la situación — these are key B2 phrases for formal writing and debate.